When you hear the word hypnotherapy, what comes to mind? Perhaps someone swinging a watch, making people cluck like chickens, or taking complete control of someone else’s mind!
In reality, solution focused hypnotherapy is very different from what you might imagine.
It’s an approach that combines talking therapy, an understanding of how the brain works and hypnosis to help you make positive changes and move towards the life you want.
But what does that actually mean, and how could it help you?
Understanding how your brain works
Our brains are designed to protect us. When we’re under pressure or feeling stressed, our attention can become focused on problems, worries and everything that might go wrong.
You might find yourself going over conversations in your head, worrying about things that haven’t happened or feeling overwhelmed by situations you would normally manage quite easily.
The more we focus on these difficulties, the harder it can sometimes feel to step back and see things differently.
Understanding what’s happening in your brain can be a helpful first step. It allows you to recognise that these patterns aren’t a personal failing and that there are ways to respond differently.
Why focus on solutions?
As the name suggests, solution focused hypnotherapy puts the emphasis on solutions rather than problems.
That doesn’t mean ignoring what’s difficult or pretending everything is fine. Your concerns matter, and there’s space to talk about them.
However, rather than spending every session going over what’s wrong, we explore what you’d like to be different.
Perhaps you want to feel calmer, become more confident, stop worrying so much or find it easier to cope with everyday challenges.
We look at what’s already going well, the strengths you have and the small steps that could help you move towards those changes.
Sometimes, recognising what you’re already doing well can help you see yourself and your situation in a different light.
Where does hypnosis fit in?
Hypnosis is the other important part of the approach.
During hypnosis, you’re guided into a relaxed, focused state. You remain aware of what’s happening and in control throughout.
It’s not about being made to do something against your will or having someone take over your mind.
You might recognise the feeling from everyday life, such as becoming absorbed in a book or drifting off into your own thoughts while sitting quietly.
In a hypnotherapy session, this relaxed state provides an opportunity to focus on positive suggestions and helpful ways of thinking.
Combined with the talking part of the session, hypnosis can support you as you work towards your goals.
What can solution focused hypnotherapy help with?
People come to hypnotherapy for different reasons. You might be struggling with stress, feeling anxious, lacking confidence or finding it difficult to switch off.
You may know you want things to change but feel unsure how to get there.
The approach can help you explore what you want to achieve and develop more helpful ways of responding to life’s challenges.
For women going through perimenopause and menopause, this can be particularly relevant. Changes during this stage of life can affect mood, sleep, confidence and how you feel about yourself.
You might feel unlike the person you used to be, become more easily overwhelmed or find that things which once felt manageable now take much more effort.
You don’t have to simply put up with feeling this way. Support can help you explore ways to manage these changes and begin to feel more like yourself again.
Hypnotherapy isn’t a replacement for appropriate medical advice or treatment, but it can be a useful part of your wider support.
Please note: Hypnotherapy and reflexology are complementary therapies and are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you’re experiencing new, severe or concerning symptoms, speak with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
